Erik Murphy

Finland natives Lauri Markkanen of the Bulls and Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju are two of Chicago's newest imports.

The Bulls started the Suomi soiree two weeks ago during the NBA draft. They acquired Markkanen in the Jimmy Butler trade after the Timberwolves selected the 7-footer with the seventh pick. A day later, the Hawks drafted Jokiharju 29th overall. The Finnish community in Chicago — and, yes, there is a Finnish community in Chicago — suddenly was abuzz.

"I was surprised, definitely about the basketball player," said Olavi Goos, honorary consul of Finland in Chicago and Illinois....

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